Looking to upgrade to a new bike this spring

heytherestephy
heytherestephy Posts: 356 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I currently ride a 1970s CCM Elite Womens Cruiser. It's a great little bike but I'm quickly outgrowing it's usefulness by doing a lot of trail/long distance rides. It's not built for that.

I'd like something that is a cruiser style with a flat foot seating position (previous sports related injuries to my back prevent me from riding a road bike or traditional mountain bike in comfort), something that is suited to riding on gravel trails (nothing hardcore, the most rough my rides get are to Lakefield and it's a nice even small gravel trail). I need a large frame/large wheels as I am 6'0".

Also, budget IS limited. Nothing above $1000. Anyone have ideas for brands to look out for, or styles? I'll be attending the bike show in Toronto in the spring with my cyclist boyfriend and this is where I intend on purchasing my bike.

Replies

  • MerBear1985
    MerBear1985 Posts: 131
    I don't know about something cruiser style. I have a hybrid bike which has wider tired than a road bike but is way lighter than a mountain bike. I use it on small gravel trails and it is TERRIFIC.
  • Pinkigloopyxie
    Pinkigloopyxie Posts: 231
    I honestly don't know what most of those terms mean but I have a Tiburon CS Gary Fisher hybrid that I love and is great for gravel and dirt trails as well as riding in town. The handlebars are higher than the seat because I find the other kind uncomfortable.

    A similar brand to mine is the Ariel Specialized. A hybrid would probably work well for you. My bicycle weighs no more than 30lbs (I can lift it easily with one hand) and is super speedy, smooth, and quiet! Cost me $500ish with kickstand/drink holder/computer thing to track speed/distance. The computer thing I could never get working....

    I love my bike and I bike 50-60mi to and from work each week alone. I've had it for three years, replaced the front tire once, and the back twice. I tend to crash a bit so I've had to replace the back spokes twice, and got it the annual checkup very year which was $60.

    Yeah, I love my bike a lot.

    And I'm 5'10 and my tires are 29" though the shop I bought mine from definitely had larger. Actually I remember trying a taller one out while in the store and falling on the floor...hah.... and don't forget your helmet!
  • NeverGoinBack2012
    NeverGoinBack2012 Posts: 49
    I bike the trail alot and I have a Trek Navigator 2.0 and love it.
  • sharleengc
    sharleengc Posts: 792 Member
    After doing some research, my husband bought a Trek Marlin a few weeks ago. I've been looking, comparing and riding different brands and styles since then to see what I want as we have started riding much more frequently and my bike needs an upgrade.

    I have settled on a Hybrid, a Specialized Vita. Next payday, I am putting the down payment on it so it can be ordered. I like it best out of everything I've tried in 2 states!
  • wellbert
    wellbert Posts: 3,924 Member
    Check out the cyclocross style of bike.

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